Dan Gurney

Dan Gurney, born in upstate New York to artist parents, first picked up an accordion by chance in a toy store where Micho Russell happened to be playing. He learned Irish music from Galway-born concertina player Father Charlie Coen. He now lives in Bray with his wife Christina and young children. 

Dan grew up in the Hudson Valley town of Rhinebeck, a short train ride from the big city. He started on a toy button accordion but by age seven was playing the real thing. His chief musical inspiration was Fr. Charlie Coen, then serving a parish in nearby Red Hook. 

The musical priest instilled in Dan a passion for old-time traditional music played without flash or excessive speed. 

He has recorded a solo CD, duet albums with fiddler Dylan Foley and flute player Christina Dolphin, and two albumns with the band The Yanks.  He has appeared on Public Radio International, at the International Accordion Festival, and has won nine medals at various Fleadh Cheoil competitions.